Spectators enjoyed lots of action throughout Friday, 19 May, on the first day of the Security Centre 2023 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tournament, taking place on the sandy courts of Seven Mile Beach.
A total of 42 matches were played by the women’s and men’s teams, representing 21 countries plus host Cayman Islands, who performed well in the women’s Pool D.
Stefania Gandolfi and Heather Thompson notched two consecutive wins to gain momentum heading into pool matches tomorrow.
The pair first defeated St. Lucia 0-2 (21-23, 16-21). Gandolfi and Thompson then went on to best Costa Rica 0-2 (21-23, 16-21), in a game many believed Cayman were the underdogs.
“It’s always nice to start with a win because you build some confidence,” Gandolfi told the Compass. “I think the chemistry that I have with my partner is good and it’s building more each time we play together.”
Gandolfi and Thompson will continue their chase for glory tomorrow when they take on Guatemala and Jamaica, who currently lead in Pool D.
“We are ready for tomorrow,” Gandolfi said. “If we keep playing the way we’ve played, we have a good chance…but I take one thing at a time.”
On the men’s side, Caymanians Casey Santamaria and Jesario Ebanks also won before the home crowd, taking their opening Group C match against Dominica 2-0 (21-19, 21-16), before losing to Costa Rica 2-0 (23-21, 21-15).
The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals, scheduled to be played Saturday afternoon.
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